SENTINEL WATCH November 2, 2009 Issue

A CALL TO COMPASSION

TONY LOBL

ON NOVEMBER 12 the Charter for Compassion is being launched to leverage what its founder, academic and author Karen Armstrong, sees as a quality that is basic to all the faith teachings she has studied. "Bringing together voices from all cultures and religions," says its website, "the Charter seeks to remind the world we already share the core principles of compassion."

From the standpoint of Christian Science, which asserts that divine Love "imparts the clearest idea of Deity," compassion is a key element inliving a spiritual life (Science and Health, p. 517). And in several places, the Bible says Jesus was "moved with compassion" as the motive for his works of healing, teaching, and caring for others.

Jesus showed that yearning for the well-being of others is a quality inherent in the nature of all humankind, as God's children. Also, that because we are divine Love's reflection, it's natural for us to love others unselfishly instead of turning away from their needs.